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e Department also participated in developing a hospitality training program and is responsible for contracting with Looking Glass Job Center to manage and maintain three visitor kiosks on Interstate 5 and 101. The Visitor Services Department served 5,495 walk-in visitors in 1987, representing a 71 percent increase over 1986. In 1988, there has been a 70 percent increase in the number of foreign visitors, but the majority of walk-in visitors continue to be from Oregon. With memberships now totaling 286, membership sales nearly met its $50,000 goal. Ms. Weston cited in-kind donations of $20,000 as an indication of the private sector's view of membership as an investment it has been willing to make. One of the bureau's major projects has been long-term planning, and Ms. Weston reported that a five-year plan that includes tourism, marketing, convention sales, and operations will be in its final form by the end of November. Responding to a question from Mr. Rutan, Ms Weston noted that present room rates are substantially lower than those in cities with which Eugene/ Springfield competes. Ms. Ehrman commented on a brochure that is handed out at inspection stations when one enters California. Ms. Weston anticipated that Oregon might begin similar activities. e Responding to Ms. Bascom's inquiry about the relationship between the Hult Center and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ms. Weston described the Hult Center as a valuable asset in selling the community. She said the Hult is viewed as a meeting facility as well as a cultural attraction. Mr. Miller referred to a billboard near Medford and asked if this type of advertising had been considered. Noting the expense of billboard advertising, Ms. Weston said the idea is often discussed. Mr. Holmer congratulated Ms. Weston on the bureau's report and asked whether additional facilities would assist in merchandising the community. Ms. Weston responded that a dramatic increase in the number of convention delegates attracted between 1980 and 1982 resulted from the opening of the Hilton, Hult, and Conference Center and the expansion and renovation of the County Convention Center and other lodging facilities. Ms. Weston said the numbers can be maintained, but the area will not experience that dramatic growth unless there is a major change in the scope and size of the facilities available in the community. Mayor Obie noted that the Convention and Visitors Bureau has negotiated a three-year contract with Springfield and Lane County, but its contract with the City of Eugene is annual. Ms. Weston said there was a commitment to work toward a long-term or multi-year funding process in the bureau's current contract with the City. She described contract negotiation as a staff- e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October la, 1988 Page 5